Robert Swain

Robert Burns Swain ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Robert Burns Swain, 73, died Oct. 30, 2009 at Providence Extended Care Center in Anchorage. Mr. Swain, known as Bob to his friends, Bobby to his family, was born Jan. 30, 1936 in Norfolk to Mack R. and Marjorie A (Quidley) Swain. Bob brought his family to Alaska as a member of the Air Force Military Police in 1971, retiring from military service to Anchorage in 1976 after serving his country for 20 years. Bob went on to serve as executive director for the Association for Retarded Citizens of Anchorage (ARCA) from 1977-1979 and was program director for the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center from 1979-2000. Bob was certified by the Alaska Commission for Chemical Dependency Professionals as an alcoholism and drug abuse counselor advanced and a chemical dependency administrator. Bob held a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Alaska and a master's degree in rehabilitation administration from the University of San Francisco. He was an advocate for parents of developmentally disabled citizens and held positions on the Alaska Governor's Advisory Board 1974-1976, and the board of the National Association for Retarded Citizen (NARC) 1975-1977. He participated in Stand Down for homeless veterans through 2005 until he was physically unable to continue to actively engage in this annual event. He was a member in good standing of the American Legion. He had a love for the outdoors and often took his clients and friends fishing on the Kenai River during the summer months. Bob is survived by his former wife of 29 years, Betty Swain; his son, Robert Michael Swain; daughters, Robin Teresa Swain and Vickie Lynn Swain Rodriguez; Vickie's son and Bob's beloved grandson, Daniel Luis Swain Valette; cherished stepgranddaughters, Pamela Rodriguez and Gabrielle Grice, all of Anchorage. Bob is also survived by his brothers, Darrell L. Swain of Florence, N.C., Danny R. Swain of Norfolk, Phillip L. Swain of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Barbara Ann Morgan of Norfolk; along with many cousins and extended family in the Carolinas, as well as many friends and former clients in Anchorage. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie A. Swain; father, Mack R. Swain; and brother, Johnny Swain. Bob loved his dog, BABS, she was his constant companion and stayed faithfully by his side after he suffered a stroke on Saturday, Oct. 24, until help arrived. A viewing will be held at Kehl's Legacy Funeral Home, 11621 Old Seward Highway, Anchorage, Wednesday, Nov. 4, at noon with a funeral following at 1 p.m. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. The family requests donations be sent in lieu of flowers to: "No One Dies Alone" (NODA), Providence Alaska Foundation, P.O. Box 196604, Anchorage, AK 99519- 6604. The NODA program provides bedside companionship for patients at the end of life when family is unable to be present. Heartfelt thanks go out to the Anchorage Fire Department Paramedics for their swift response and care, staff of Providence Alaska Hospital, Providence Extended Care and the NODA program for taking such considerate, compassionate care of Bob in his final days and hours.